They were flown to Burbank, Calif., where the show is taped. They didn’t expect anything more than a chance to watch DeGeneres live.

“They had us in the dark until we were onstage,” Simon said.

After calling them up, DeGeneres read Simon’s letter.

“We are so happy and love what we do, serving our country and saving lives, but I dream of our wedding day and I have no idea how we’ll afford it,” Simon said in the letter.

It was Simon’s beauty that first drew DePriest to speak to her at a bar, DePriest told DeGeneres. Simon was a little standoffish at first.

“No, listen. I’m not trying to put a ring on it, you just look thirsty,” DePriest recalled telling Simon.

After chatting about the couple’s first date and current jobs, DeGeneres announced the couple had won $1,000 from Viggle, only to up the amount to $20,000 seconds later.

The show also gifted them a honeymoon to Turtle Island Resort in Fiji.

“We’re set up for an amazing start,” Simon said. “We’re so completely blessed to have this opportunity.”

It was hard to wait until the show aired June 10 to tell family and friends, DePriest said. They get noticed occasionally by viewers of the show.

They felt conflicted at first at receiving so much. There are other worthy couples who deserve it, Simon said.

Most of the money will go toward their wedding, but they’re hoping to share the blessing with local community organizations. The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society recently received some much-needed dog food, DePriest said.

With their beach wedding venue already booked for next May, the couple plan to have a simple do-it-yourself Southern ceremony with family and friends.

They hope their story encourages others to be true to themselves and follow their hearts.

“When something feels right, you just got to go for it,” DePriest said. “Keep pushing, especially for the love of your life.”

They were flown to Burbank, Calif., where the show is taped. They didn’t expect anything more than a chance to watch DeGeneres live.

“They had us in the dark until we were onstage,” Simon said.

After calling them up, DeGeneres read Simon’s letter.

“We are so happy and love what we do, serving our country and saving lives, but I dream of our wedding day and I have no idea how we’ll afford it,” Simon said in the letter.

It was Simon’s beauty that first drew DePriest to speak to her at a bar, DePriest told DeGeneres. Simon was a little standoffish at first.

“No, listen. I’m not trying to put a ring on it, you just look thirsty,” DePriest recalled telling Simon.

After chatting about the couple’s first date and current jobs, DeGeneres announced the couple had won $1,000 from Viggle, only to up the amount to $20,000 seconds later.

The show also gifted them a honeymoon to Turtle Island Resort in Fiji.

“We’re set up for an amazing start,” Simon said. “We’re so completely blessed to have this opportunity.”

It was hard to wait until the show aired June 10 to tell family and friends, DePriest said. They get noticed occasionally by viewers of the show.

They felt conflicted at first at receiving so much. There are other worthy couples who deserve it, Simon said.

Most of the money will go toward their wedding, but they’re hoping to share the blessing with local community organizations. The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society recently received some much-needed dog food, DePriest said.

With their beach wedding venue already booked for next May, the couple plan to have a simple do-it-yourself Southern ceremony with family and friends.

They hope their story encourages others to be true to themselves and follow their hearts.

“When something feels right, you just got to go for it,” DePriest said. “Keep pushing, especially for the love of your life.”